Decoupling Antenna Elements via Coefficient Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems with multiple antennas, antenna elements often exhibit correlation due to their proximity, which reduces the effectiveness of signal reception by increasing the similarity of fading characteristics across antennas, thereby diminishing the performance enhancement gained from using multiple antennas.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of decoupling circuitry, either analog or digital, that applies pre-calculated coefficients to the signals from each antenna element to reduce correlation between them, optimizing performance based on operating conditions such as frequency band and direction of arrival, thereby enhancing independence and reception quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple antenna elements are used to improve signal reception, then the likelihood of detecting strong rays is increased, but correlation between antenna elements increases due to their proximity, reducing the effectiveness of signal reception
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the antenna array into multiple independent antenna elements and processing their signals separately through distinct processing paths. Each antenna element's signal is processed independently with its own set of coefficients, allowing the system to maintain independence between elements while using multiple antennas for improved reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters by applying different coefficients to signals from different antenna elements based on operating conditions such as frequency band and direction of arrival. These parameter changes enable the system to optimize the independence and performance of each antenna element dynamically, reducing correlation when it degrades reception effectiveness.
2Reliability
If multiple antenna elements are used to improve signal reception, then diversity coding and MIMO capabilities are enhanced, but device complexity increases due to additional processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing multiple sets of coefficients for different operating conditions (frequency bands, directions of arrival) before actual signal processing occurs. When a signal is received, the system simply selects the appropriate pre-computed coefficient set based on current conditions, avoiding the need for complex real-time calculations and reducing processing circuitry complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the processing coefficients adaptive and changeable based on operating conditions. The system dynamically selects different coefficient sets according to frequency band and direction of arrival, allowing the processing complexity to be managed efficiently while maintaining optimal performance across varying conditions.
3Device complexity
If fixed coefficients are used for signal processing, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different operating conditions such as frequency bands and directions of arrival is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-computing and storing multiple coefficient sets tailored to different operating conditions (frequency bands, directions of arrival) before operation. During actual use, the system selects the appropriate pre-computed set based on current conditions, achieving adaptability without requiring complex real-time computation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling the processing coefficients to change adaptively based on operating conditions. The system dynamically switches between different coefficient sets according to frequency band and direction of arrival, providing versatility while keeping the processing mechanism relatively simple through pre-computed lookup tables.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to an example embodiment, there is provided an apparatus comprising circuitry configured to derive at least two outputs, wherein each output comprises a sum of at least two intermediate signals, the circuitry being configured to derive each intermediate signal by applying a coefficient to a signal received from an antenna element,each output corresponding to an antenna beam,and at least one processing core configured to select from a preconfigured plurality of coefficient sets a first set of coefficients, and to provide the selected first set of coefficients to the circuitry for use in deriving the intermediate signals, the selection being based at least in part on an operating condition relating to the apparatus.The coefficients may be chosen to decrease a correlation between the antenna elements, for example.